| ‘ZDF, China to establish new type of strategic partnership’ Monday, March 27, 2006 Herald Reporter THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces have pledged to further establish and develop a new type of strategic partnership with China, featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win co-operation and cultural and technological exchange in all areas of mutual interest. Speaking at a dinner held in honour of the visiting Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) delegation at the Army Headquarters on Friday, Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander General Constantine Chiwenga said the ZDF have benefited immensely from the PLA. "ZDF have benefited greatly through programmes like military aid, training exchange programmes and the secondment of the People’s Liberation Army Instructors Team (PLAIT) to the Zimbabwe Staff College," he said. Gen Chiwenga said collaborative efforts have seen the ZDF benefit in the areas of equipment acquisitions for both the ZNA and Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ). He also welcomed the visit by PLA Major General Zhang Bangdong and his delegation, saying the trends towards world multi-polarity and economic globalisation were deepening amid twists and turns. He said it was clear that there were new changes occurring in the balance of power among major international players with the process of their realignment and redistribution of their interests accelerated. As a result of global industrial restructuring and the continued development of regional economic co-operation, said Gen Chiwenga, the world economy had witnessed new growth, with interdependence among nations deepening and their common interests increasing. "It is against this background that we view the visit as critical in the development of the all weather friendly relations between Zimbabwe and China," he said. He commended Maj Gen Zhang Bangdong for establishing mutually beneficial trade and diplomatic relations with over 30 Asian and African countries including those in Southern Africa. "What he took to the places he visited were tea, Chinaware, silk and technology, but he did not occupy one inch of any other’s land," said General Chiwenga. |
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